In an exciting move for watch enthusiasts, Cartier Privé is resurrecting the celebrated Tank à Guichets, a rare and cherished adaptation of their iconic Tank model first introduced in 1928. This unique timepiece was revolutionary for its time, featuring a digital display visible through small openings on the dial—a striking innovation just a few years following the introduction of the classic Tank Normale in 1919.

The new iteration comes in two captivating styles: one that faithfully adheres to the original blueprint, and another exceptional limited edition that reinterprets the classic design. The standout among these is the limited edition, encased in platinum with dimensions of 37.6 x 24.8 mm and a slim profile of only 6mm thick. Emulating the 1928 aesthetic, this model features the crown at the 12 o’clock position, a nod to its historical roots.

Dubbed the Tank à Guichets Oblique or Tank à Guichets Driver, this limited edition—capped at just 200 pieces—introduces a unique driver-style layout with the jumping hour aperture positioned at 10 o'clock, rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise, while the wandering hour indicator is situated at 4 o'clock. This modern twist offers a fresh take on Cartier's storied craftsmanship.

Additional versions crafted in yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum share the same movement, a newly developed hand-wound 9755 MC jump hour caliber, and identical dimensions. However, these models boast a more traditional layout, with hours displayed at 12 o'clock and minutes trailing at 6 o'clock. The gold iterations are embellished with bold black numerals, while the platinum models—both limited and standard—feature elegant maroon lettering. Although Cartier has yet to announce exact production figures for these variants, the expectation is that availability will still be limited, with pricing details forthcoming.

For dedicated Cartier Tank aficionados, the Tank à Guichets represents the pinnacle of collectible watches, aside from acquiring one-of-a-kind pieces. Authentic originals remain exceedingly rare; the series was initially crafted as one-offs throughout the 1930s. Documentation reveals that in 1996, three distinct examples were created for Antiquorum's 'Magical Art of Cartier' auction, mirroring the crown placement of the originals. Further, during Cartier's 150th anniversary in 1997, a limited edition of 150 platinum pieces was released—though with a re-positioned crown at 3 o'clock, which many collectors viewed as a deviation from the original sleek elegance. The design made a return in 2005 as part of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris, featuring a limited run of 100 rose gold variants.

The revival of the classic 'crown at 12' design offers a thrilling reason to revisit this model after years of an awkwardly-housed crown. While the oblique version may not resonate with everyone, it is certain to attract devoted collectors who will appreciate its modern evolution while honoring Cartier’s avant-garde legacy from the 1920s.

As excitement builds around Cartier's latest offerings, the contrasting case designs—featuring a polished front and brushed finishes—invite questions regarding their relation to the original 1928 pieces. For those eager to witness this stunning resurrection, it appears the allure of the Tank à Guichets combination of heritage and innovation is set to capture the hearts of collectors and watch connoisseurs alike!